Thursday After Ash Wednesday

“Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps.” (Luke 9:23)

Reflection

What to Give Up . . .

Give up complaining . . .
	. . . focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism . . .
	. . . become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments . . .
	. . . think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry . . .
	. . . trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement . . .
	. . . be full of hope.
Give up bitterness . . .
	. . . turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred . . .
	. . . return good for evil.
Give up negativism . . .
	. . . be positive.
Give up anger . . .
	. . . be more patient.
Give up pettiness . . .
	. . . become mature.
Give up gloom . . .
	. . . enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy . . .
	. . . pray for trust.
Give up gossiping . . .
	. . . control your tongue.
Give up sin . . .
	. . . turn to virtue.
Give up giving up . . .
	. . . hang in there!

Lenten Question

Q: Why are the forty days called Lent?

A: They are called Lent because that is the Old English word for spring, the season of the year during which they fall. This is something unique to English. In almost all other languages its name is a derivative of the Latin term, or “the forty days.”

Lenten Action.

Think of a person with whom you have a strained relationship and make some gesture toward improving that relationship.

Prayer

Direct our actions, Lord, by your holy inspiration and carry them forward by your gracious help, that all our works may begin in you and by you be happily ended.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Amen.